IAF’s New Eyes in the Sky: Indigenous AWACS to Monitor China and Pakistan

In a significant boost to India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to acquire six indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) capable of tracking military activities in China and Pakistan from hundreds of kilometers away. This development, approved by the Defence Acquisition Council on September 10, 2024, marks a major step toward self-reliance in defence technology and strengthens India’s strategic posture along its northern and western borders.

The Need for Advanced AWACS

India’s 4,000-km border with China and 3,300-km frontier with Pakistan have long demanded robust surveillance to counter threats ranging from troop movements to missile deployments and drone incursions. The IAF currently operates three Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems mounted on Embraer EMB-145 jets, alongside two Russian IL-76-based Phalcon AWACS. However, with rising tensions—evidenced by the 2020 Galwan clash with China and Pakistan’s drone offensive during Operation Sindoor in May 2025—the IAF identified a critical need for enhanced, long-range surveillance platforms.

The new AWACS, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the IAF, will significantly augment India’s ability to monitor adversarial activities, providing real-time intelligence and command-and-control capabilities across vast distances.

Capabilities of the Indigenous AWACS

The six new AWACS, based on modified Airbus A321 aircraft, will feature advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars capable of 360-degree coverage and tracking targets over 500 kilometers away. These systems will detect aircraft, missiles, drones, and ground movements, offering a comprehensive battlefield picture. Key features include:

• Long-Range Detection: The AESA radar, developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), can track over 200 targets simultaneously, including low-flying objects and stealth platforms, at ranges exceeding 500 km.
• High-Altitude Operations: Operating at altitudes above 40,000 feet, these AWACS will provide a strategic vantage point, covering regions deep inside China’s Tibetan plateau and Pakistan’s Punjab and Sindh provinces.
• Electronic Intelligence (ELINT): The systems will intercept and analyze enemy radar and communication signals, enabling proactive countermeasures.
• Integration with IAF Assets: Seamless connectivity with IAF fighters like the Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, and Tejas, as well as ground-based air defence systems like Akash NG and S-400, will enhance coordinated operations.
• Endurance: With in-flight refueling capabilities, the AWACS can remain airborne for over 10 hours, ensuring persistent surveillance during high-intensity scenarios.

These capabilities will allow the IAF to monitor Chinese military bases in Tibet, track Pakistan’s air and missile activities, and counter drone swarms, as seen during Operation Sindoor, where Pakistan deployed over 600 drones with limited success.

Indigenous Development: A Milestone for Atmanirbharta

The AWACS project, valued at over ₹13,000 crore, underscores India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defence manufacturing. Unlike the Netra AEW&C, which relies on Brazilian Embraer platforms, the new AWACS will use Airbus A321 aircraft modified by the Indian industry, with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) likely leading the integration efforts. The AESA radar and mission systems are entirely indigenous, building on DRDO’s experience with the Netra program.

The project also involves private-sector players like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for radar components and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for structural modifications. This collaboration not only reduces reliance on foreign suppliers but also creates opportunities for technology transfer and skill development within India’s defence ecosystem.

Strategic Implications

The induction of these AWACS, expected to begin by 2030, will significantly enhance India’s deterrence capabilities. Along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the systems will provide early warning of People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) movements, including fighter jets and missile launches from bases like Hotan and Ngari Gunsa. Along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, they will track Pakistan Air Force (PAF) activities and potential drone incursions, learning from the failures of Pakistan’s Turkish and Chinese-supplied drones in Operation Sindoor.

Moreover, the AWACS will strengthen India’s role in the Indo-Pacific, supporting maritime domain awareness by monitoring Chinese naval activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The systems’ ability to integrate with India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) will create a networked battlespace, enhancing response times and operational efficiency.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

While the project is a significant achievement, challenges remain. The conversion of commercial Airbus A321s into military AWACS requires rigorous testing to ensure structural integrity and system reliability. Additionally, integrating complex AESA radars with indigenous software demands precision to avoid delays, as seen in earlier DRDO projects. The IAF must also train personnel to operate and maintain these advanced systems, necessitating investments in simulators and training programs.

To bridge the gap until the AWACS are operational, the IAF plans to acquire two additional Phalcon AWACS from Israel, ensuring no shortfall in surveillance capabilities. The DRDO is also exploring smaller, drone-based AEW&C systems to complement the larger platforms, offering flexibility in contested environments.

Conclusion

The acquisition of six indigenous AWACS marks a transformative moment for the IAF, equipping it with the tools to monitor and respond to threats from China and Pakistan with unprecedented clarity. By leveraging homegrown technology and industry partnerships, India is not only enhancing its defence capabilities but also asserting its technological sovereignty. As these “desi eyes in the sky” take flight, they will redefine India’s strategic landscape, ensuring vigilance and readiness in an increasingly volatile region.

Sources: The Times of India (), The Indian Express (), Hindustan Times (), Financial Express (), Business Standard (), and posts on X (,,).